A Service Dog's Journey

It's Been a While...

2011-02-08T18:55:00.003-05:00

Hey, it's me Logan. Bet you thought something happened to me, it's been a while. Actually LOTS of things have happened in the last year and a half (which is why I've been too busy to blog) so it might take me a few posts to catch up!

I'm going to take a look back at my calendar and photos and come back and let you know about all the great service dog adventures I've had. Here's a hint, one of them involved a Mouse!

If there's anything you want to know about me or service dogs in general, just leave a comment and I'll add it to my topics. In the meantime here's a photo of me having a little off duty winter fun!

Dogs at Work Festival

2009-06-27T19:58:00.001-05:00

Yesterday we attended Planet Dog's "Dogs at Work" festival and parade in support of pet adoption and working dogs everywhere. It was great fun and Suzan and I had a table so that we could answer questions about service dogs. There were animal rescue groups, a real K9 and artist and author Stephen Huneck was signing books. Our service dog friend Milo got his CGC from Nancy at Gooddogz Training. Congratulations Milo!

Here we are in the parade...

Leading up to the festival...

I got to meet Sally, Stephen Huneck's muse for his amazing wood cuts and books. We thought we would have some doggie fun and recreate the "Greetings" woodcut! I think we did a pretty good job!

Move Over Tyson

2009-05-02T12:01:00.003-05:00

As a working service dog it's still very important to keep practicing and training. We get together with my service dog friends once a month to make sure our skills stay sharp. We go to all sorts of places with different distractions. The mall, retail stores, animal parks and the airport are just a few of the places we've been. And then we all go out to lunch afterward. Well, our partners lunch and we relax under the tables. You ain't seen nothing 'til you've seen seven service dogs snoozing under the tables and when we get up people didn't even know we were there!

This month we did something a little different. We had a tricks class! It was fun to try something new but still be training. It was really nice of Nancy from Gooddogz Training to help us. Thanks Nancy! And thank you PetQuarters for allowing us to use space inside and outside of the store.

My service dog buddy Milo the chocolate lab really liked working with the skateboard. We are thinking of starting a service dog synchronized skateboarding team! Move over Tyson the skateboarding Bulldog!

My Earth Day Celebration at element Lexington

2009-04-22T19:50:00.004-05:00

Just before Earth Day we stayed at the element Lexington, a cool eco friendly hotel in Lexington, Massachusetts. We loved the contemporary yet serene atmosphere. They even have special parking spaces for hybrid cars!

Here I am getting our room key from Kelly. Our room was amazing with a contemporary kitchen area and sectional at the end of the bed. Suzan said she would like to live there!

The outdoor public gathering space is very inviting and there's a grill in the corner that you can use. Got steak anyone? In the right back corner is the beautiful indoor pool.

Check out the dog friendly amenities! I got to use an element dog bed and dog bowls and my very own doggie bag with treats. (I told them all about our friends at Bite O' Blue who craft eco friendly blueberry dog treats baked with wind power! Maybe next time we stay there, I'll find some in my doggie bag!) And you don't have to be a service dog to stay here. They welcome pet dogs under 40 pounds.

How Service Dogs Party

2009-04-17T20:06:00.007-05:00

Birthdays are good except when your people make you wear funny hats.

Today we had a doggie birthday party. It was worth wearing the funny hats. We ate ice cream, chased balls and jumped in the pond and the river. Not with the funny hats on though.

My birthday was last Friday. I turned four. Or twenty eight in dog years, a good age.

In the first photo you can see all different colors and types of retrievers. Hailey and Shiva are labrador retrievers. They are service dogs too. Their birthdays are next month. Then that's me, Logan in the middle. I'm a golden retriever. My new friend Deka is a curly coated retriever. Nice 'do! And Bailey is a yellow labrador retriever service dog. We are almost the same color. Her birthday is next month too.

Happy Birthday girls!

"I ain't afraid of no pigs!"

2009-04-14T20:13:00.004-05:00

OK, even as a dog I know that isn't proper English but it's a play on the Ghostbuster's phrase. Of course Ghostbusters was way before my time but Suzan told me all about it.

As as service dog you never know what you'll encounter out in public. We recently went to check out a newly opened Famous Dave's BBQ restaurant. We pull into the parking lot and I see this strange, huge pink THING walking around. "Danger, danger" I try to tell Suzan but she's shocked that I'm vocalizing. I NEVER do that in public. But how many times do you see huge pink creatures walking around?

The next thing I know she's walking over to the pink thing, can you believe it? She's CRAZY! I'm not too sure about this but she keeps giving me treats so I'm starting to think this pink thing isn't so bad. See pink thing, get treats. Closer to pink thing, more treats. Pink thing touches me, tons of treats. Suzan says this is called counter conditioning in the dog training world. Hmmm. I'm starting to like this pink thing. Find out his name is Wilbur. Wilbur is now my friend.

Good thing, because the next time we see Wilbur he is walking around inside the restaurant. I am in a down stay under the table like a good service dog. I see Wilbur, I look at Suzan for a treat. She smiles.

Sometimes You Just Gotta Let Your Hair Down

2009-02-28T14:29:00.001-05:00

This morning on a Maine beach. It was probably only in the low 30's but it felt like dog heaven to me!

Hard to believe we're due for three days of the white stuff starting tomorrow.

Another Job for a Service Dog

2009-02-10T12:26:00.003-05:00

Because service dogs are so well trained and behaved, we are sometimes asked to do other jobs. I've had a couple of different ones in the past few months. Here I am taking a break from my most recent "job", can you guess what it is? No, it's not some strange tracking device or alien communications system. I was the doggie cam operator last night at the FetchDog anniversary celebration! It was lots of fun and they had a live feed going to a big screen for the dog-umentary.

The evening was a howling success with lots of people and their dogs including FetchDog co-founders actress Glenn Close and her husband David Shaw. Their two terrier mix cuties are Jake and Bill. They were the first doggie guests to greet me at the party and were very well behaved. They have a job too, they help their mom write the Lively Licks blog for FetchDog!

I'm a FetchDog!

2008-12-17T12:04:00.006-05:00

Like any good service dog, I like sniffing out a bargain. For those of you who live in Maine, you don't want to miss the FetchDog Sample Sale! FetchDog is a great online supplier of high quality dog items and they also publish a catalog. Best of all, if you choose a Charitable Shop on their website, they'll donate a percentage of your purchases to one of the charities that Glenn Close and her friends have picked out. I'm kinda partial to Glenn's "Puppies Behind Bars" since they prepare puppies to be service dogs like me! Check out FetchDog and their online sale here.

At their local Sample Sale you can save 50% off some really nice quality dog products like this Bowser Donut Bed and Bowser Blanket that I picked out. Doesn't it look comfy and don't I make a great doggy model?

FetchDog's office is located at the Hamilton Marine Center Complex/100 Fore Street in Portland, Maine. They have lots of beds, toys, clothes, collars, leashes, feeders and grooming products on sale. The sale is from 10:00 to 6:00 and has been extended through at least this week. You might want to call 207-347-2206 to confirm.

All Work and No Play?

2008-08-12T20:08:00.007-05:00

Not for me! Most service dogs I know get a lot of off duty and play time and I'm no exception. From a good game of fetch in the backyard to a romp at the beach, it's important to balance work and fun. One of my favorite off duty things to do is roll! On the grass! On the sand! In the sun! Roll, roll, roll!

The folks at Planet Dog chose this photo of me rolling in the sand as this month's Canine Moment, check it out at http://www.planetdog.com/. Submit a photo of your best buddy and they could be featured as a Canine Moment and win a $200 shopping spree!

I LOVE Planet Dog, their Orbee balls are the best and a portion of every purchase goes to the Planet Dog Foundation which celebrates working dogs that serve and support their best friends, like me. Thank you Planet Dog!

Dancing at the Bridge

2008-07-16T11:50:00.007-05:00

A great and wonderful dog lost his battle with cancer and made the journey to the bridge this week. Like thousands of others, Suzan was inspired by the video clip of Rookie and and his mom Carolyn freestyle dancing to a song from Grease.

This tribute was originally done when Rookie retired:

Carolyn has a special place in our hearts, she came to Maine and put on a freestyle seminar fundraiser for me and Suzan. I only hope that we're half the team that Carolyn and Rookie were.

Godspeed Rookie. Dance across that bridge and show them how it's done.

Please Vote for Me!

2008-06-01T20:27:00.006-05:00

Come see the cool photo that Suzan entered of me in Lifetime television's Hollywood Tails contest. The theme was classic Hollywood movies and I think I did a pretty good job! If we we win, we get to go to a Florida resort for a spa vacation. I think I'd really enjoy a little doggie massage! Please vote for me and vote often! Thank you!

http://www.mylifetime.com/photos/hollywoodtails/rate.php?id=206496

I Earned My Wings!

2008-04-01T10:30:00.005-05:00

I, Logan the Service Dog, took my first plane flight last weekend! The nice Continental Airline folks gave me my very own pair of wings which I wore proudly on my service dog vest.

Suzan said I was very lucky since service animals are allowed to ride in the cabin with their disabled partner. I got to sit at the front of the plane in the area they call the bulkhead. Now I have to admit that I was a tiny bit anxious at first with all the strange noises but once we took off I settled right in and fell asleep. And on the way back I was totally relaxed the whole time. This flying stuff isn't so bad!

Here I am studying the emergency evacuation card, I need to take good care of Suzan if anything should happen.

Please Don't Pet Me...

2008-01-19T18:59:00.000-05:00

Did any of you see the Dear Abby column right around the holidays? It was a letter about distracting assistance dogs and I'm glad that it was published. I've posted it below if you haven't seen it yet.

A lot of people (and kids!) seem to know not to pat me when my vest is on but they don't realize that talking to me is also distracting. I need to keep my focus on Suzan, especially when she is using her cane. Can you imagine if I veered off whenever someone said "what a good dog"! I could inadvertently pull Suzan over!

The other thing you can help me with is explaining to your pet dogs that I have a job to do and can't socialize when I'm on duty. Since they might have a hard time understanding, you'll have to help us both out and "do not let your dog initiate contact", #4 below. Thanks!

Don't worry, I get LOTS of off duty play time and just hanging out and being a regular dog. I have doggie play dates, go to the beach a lot and go geocaching. And even when I'm "working", it's like a game to me. I do a lot of retrieving for Suzan which I love to do. I even bring her things around the house that she hasn't asked me for because I love doing it.

Don't Touch or Feed Assistance Dog Without Asking Permission

December 29, 2007

Dear Abby: I was having lunch in a restaurant recently. Seated next to us was a family who had an assistance dog for their teenage son. I was appalled when someone from another table approached the dog, began talking baby talk to it (while ignoring the people!) and dropped a scrap of meat on the floor in front of the dog's nose.

The dog ignored the "treat," and the mother calmly asked the person to please stop distracting their assistance dog while it was working. I was dazzled by her politeness in the face of such rudeness and thoughtlessness.

Abby, people need to know how to behave around assistance dogs so they don't endanger the person with a disability or the dog:

(1) Always speak to the person first. Do not make distracting noises to the dog.

(2) Always ask before you pet. Do not touch the service dog without first asking for and receiving permission. Petting should be minimal and cease as soon as the person gives the dog a command.

(3) Never feed or offer food to a working dog. It distracts him and lures him away from his important job as an assistance dog.

(4) Do not let your dog initiate contact with a working dog while it's on duty.

(5) Do not ask personal questions about the person's disability or otherwise intrude on his/her privacy.

The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) ensures people with assistance dogs have access to public places and businesses. Please welcome them into your establishment. -- Karyl Carmignani, Canine Companions For Independence

Dear Karyl: It's amazing how many animal lovers do not grasp the fact that when they see an assistance dog out in public that the animal is WORKING. Although wanting to reach out and touch it is natural, it is no more correct than it would be to pet a dog that works in law enforcement. Thank you for your informative letter. I hope readers will learn from it because many of your comments apply to animals in general.

Happy 2008!

2008-01-04T15:30:00.000-05:00

Can a dog make a New Year's resolution? I guess if you're a service dog like me, you can. So, I, Logan resolve to keep my blog updated in 2008!

A belated Merry Christmas to all of you and a Happy New Year! Suzan has a great tradition of celebrating the new year by getting up early to see the first sunrise at the ocean's edge so that's what we did. It was pretty but also pretty cold, 22 degrees, brrrrr!

Each year she also takes a small, smooth stone and writes the year on it to use as a "worry stone". She then throws it back in the ocean at year's end along with all her worries and takes a new stone for the coming year. I think that's a neat tradition. Did you do anything special?

Afterwards we went to breakfast where even the people sitting at the table right next to us "didn't know there was a dog in here" until we left. They were probably only four feet away but I don't think people look down. I understand when we have a booth because I'm pretty well hidden, but these were regular table and chairs. I always find that amusing (and a testament to how good I am.)

We're back!!!!

2007-11-05T12:39:00.000-05:00

First off, let me apologize for not blogging for a while. Suzan and I have been VERY busy and she's been hogging the laptop so I haven't been able to log on. Perhaps I should get my own? What do you call a laptop for dogs since we don't have laps?

I'll come back and blog about these individually but since I last posted a lot of things have happened. Suzan and I had our "official" service dog graduation ceremony. I won the Best Trick contest at Planet Dog's Woofminster fundraising event for My Wonderful Dog. That same weekend, Suzan and I won best costume at The Colony hotel's Howl-oween party. We also recently started Rally Obedience classes. All this while being a service dog extraordinaire!

Stay tuned for details and photos!

Wags & Woofs,
Logan

Play Ball!

2007-08-29T16:38:00.000-05:00

I bet you thought I meant a tennis ball or something but I'm talking about BASEBALL! Suzan organized a volunteer appreciation night for My Wonderful Dog volunteers at the Portland Sea Dogs game thanks to the generous donation of tickets by Craig Cooper of Rainbow Construction here in Maine. The Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A minor league affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. But don't ask me what a sea dog is, Slugger the mascot looks like a cross between a seal and a dog.

Here I am enjoying the game.

Some of the current My Wonderful Dog service dogs in training came with their puppy raisers. The small black pup is Freida, then my former housemate Darla and finally Flip. They did really well even when everyone was stomping and the stands were vibrating! Way to go pups!

The sign says "Welcome My Wonderful Dog", how cool is that?

Lunch Date

2007-08-23T20:15:00.000-05:00

I had a lunch date yesterday! This handsome guy is Tom and he's a My Wonderful Dog mobility service dog. He graduated almost two years ago so he's a pro. But his mom says he is pretty silly sometimes, especially at home. He turns his metal food bowl over and pushes it all around the house when he's hungry and he's been known to bring it to the bedroom in the morning and bop his dad on the head with it. Ha ha Tom, that's a pretty good trick! That must be why Suzan has me give her my bowl after I'm done eating.

We like this new Olive Garden because the booths don't have any posts, they hang off of the walls. That makes it easier for us to get comfortable under the table. That's what most service dogs are trained to do and Tom and I did a very good job at it even though it was our first date.

This and That

2007-08-06T19:36:00.000-05:00

Suzan was looking at some photos she downloaded off of her camera and realized that we didn't tell you about some of our recent adventures.

Most recently, like this past Saturday, we volunteered at the My Wonderful Dog table at the MS Bike Ride event. It was fun and I got to see my foster family again! I get all happy and wiggly at first whenever I see them! Suzan said to be sure to send a big thank you out to all the folks who rode in the scorching heat to help find a cure for MS. THANK YOU!

Last week, I went to see a musical, La Cage aux Folles at the Ogunquit Playhouse. Suzan won the tickets on the radio by translating a French phrase. I think people were really surprised to see me there but I was on my best behavior as usual. I curled up under Suzan & Jon's seats and mostly took a nap. It was hard to do at times though because everybody kept laughing. Don't know what's so funny about a birdcage!

And a few weekends before that we joined the My Wonderful Dog puppy raisers and service dogs in training at their monthly outing. I told everyone that it's great being a service dog and they will love it if they graduate and get to help their special person. I also told them it's OK if they don't because not every dog is cut out to be a service dog. Being a well behaved pet dog is a special job too! Here I am practicing my "down stay" while Nils steps over me. Nils is my foster family's new service dog in training, he is a tall boy! Good luck Nils!

Sign of the Times

2007-07-28T19:22:00.000-05:00

I know I said I'd tell you about the where we went last Sunday and it's almost Sunday again! OK so here goes...

For those of you don't know it, Suzan is a Golden Retriever nut/fanatic! Which is a good thing since I'm one! She's always looking on eBay for unique Golden stuff and found these beautiful hand crafted metal hooks. Ironically they were made in Maine which is where we live! Suzan won them and was so impressed she emailed Nate, the guy who made them and had a custom sign made for Loganland. Suzan said it was easy to do and Nate is great. Suzan told Nate she wanted something evocative of the Disneyland sign, Nate emailed a concept drawing, Suzan made a few minor tweaks and voila - we have a beautiful, custom made, 14.5"x20.5" piece of art for under $40! I'm sure one lucky dog to have my own sign!

Since Nate lives near where the film festival we went to is, we stopped there on Sunday to pick up the sign! Oh and Nate has four Golden Retrievers - Kenai, Katalla, Yukon and Tess. I think Yukon has a crush on me. (doggie grin)

We saw some of Nate's other pieces and they are gorgeous. He makes plant hangers, signs, candle holders and even coffee tables! We love the Golden and dog themed ones of course but he also has great loon, dragonfly, moose, bears, horses and birds! So if you're looking for a unique, hand crafted item for yourself or for a special gift, visit Nate's web site or eBay store and tell him that Logan sent you!

Thanks Nate! I love my sign!

A Weekend Away

2007-07-23T19:16:00.000-05:00

We just got back from a weekend away at the Maine International Film Festival where I saw old friends, made new ones and impressed people with my good behavior and skills! I first went there two years ago when Suzan and Jon puppy sat me for a week. I was only 15 weeks old at the time, just a young pup but it started my love of movies. I have to say that Air Bud movies are my favorite but they didn't show any at this film festival. I did however, nap through a 3 hour Bollywood film!

Suzan thought it would be fun to try and recreate some photos from two years ago. Here I am in front of the festival movie posters at the Railroad Square Cinema, then and now...

In front of the Waterville Opera House...

In one of the theaters...

I saw my old friends Ken and John of Railroad Square Cinema who run the film festival, Justine at the Waterville Hampton Inn and made a new friend Sue at Buen Apetito.

Tomorrow I will tell you about the place we went to on our way home Sunday and the wonderful doggie products we got there!

My first play date in Loganland!

2007-07-15T20:18:00.000-05:00

Loganland, my doggie playland backyard is coming right along! Suzan will have to take some photos of the doggie statues she got. Even though I'm a service dog it's kinda hard for me to do without thumbs.

We had our first official play date on Friday with Higgins, a Golden Retriver puppy. He's named after Higgins Beach here in Maine and he's not so bad for a puppy. We chased each other around the yard and I let him play with my toys. I also had to show him what the kiddie pool was for, it was his first time. He wasn't too sure about it but by the time he left I think he got it.

Of course Suzan thought he was extremely cute but I had to remind her how cute I was as a puppy...

Here is a slideshow of our day, enjoy!

A Sensitive G irl

2007-07-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting, Suzan and I have been keeping very busy!

Before I forget, Suzan wanted me to mention how after three days of her asking me to pick up my bowl after I'm done eating I started doing it automatically when I'm finished! That biscuit waiting up on the counter is a very good motivator!

We went to an MS support group meeting yesterday and everyone was very impressed with me. I showed them how I could pick up Suzan's cane if she dropped it. I was hoping to see Wiley, who graduated in My Wonderful Dog's class just prior to mine, but she wasn't there. I hope her partner Micah is doing OK.

Suzan said that I did something very special. One of the men at the meeting was sharing that he was sad because his friend with MS died. We were sitting right next to him and I went up to him and tried to make him feel better. Suzan let me. This is against my training and he did nothing to get my attention but I could tell that he was sad. I think it helped him to pet me. People said that I was a very special and sensitive dog to do this.

(I didn't solicit attention from anyone else there and there was even someone who kept trying to get my attention and I ignored him.)

Settling in

2007-06-28T17:48:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone for all your congratulatory messages! Suzan and I feel so loved and supported we can't help but be a stellar service dog team!

Monday was our first talk and demo at the kid's summer camp. I think Suzan did great even though she doesn't remember too much. I did pretty good myself except when Suzan let me off leash to "find the phone". She didn't think about all the service dogs in training around the room and I have to admit that I got a bit (OK a lot) distracted. But hey, I hadn't seen them for a while and we were trying to catch up. The kids really liked it when I opened the door, remember when I was having trouble with that one?

On Tuesday we went to a doctor's appt. and shopping at Target. I did great at both places! It was funny though because one of the Target employees kept futzing around in the aisle we were in and we were there a long time. Dad says it's not paranoia if they really are watching you!

We also went to a vet appt. for one of my feline siblings, Nile. I don't think he was too happy to have me along. Boy can he growl and hiss, what a Mr. Grumpypants! At home he is a really nice guy as far as cats go but get him to the doctor and he's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dad met us there and stayed in the exam room with Nile while Suzan and I waited in the lobby.

It's been so hot here that we've stayed inside more than usual. Suzan taught me to pick up my food dish after I'm done eating and give it to her. I get a breath freshener biscuit that's waiting for me on the counter, I think it's a good deal!

Day 14 - WE DID IT!

2007-06-24T18:00:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

Woohoo!!! We passed the public access test with flying colors!!! Suzan and I are an official service dog team with an ID and everything! To celebrate we all had steak tonight - even me!

Thank you everyone for all your encouragement and kind words over the past two weeks. It really helped to get over the rough spots. Suzan says that the biggest thanks should go out to my puppy raisers, the Beaman family for all their love and dedication in raising me to be the best service dog partner I can be. Being a puppy raiser requires a LOT of time and effort and they opened their hearts and home to me and to Suzan and Jon too. Suzan said we are especially lucky because our two families were brought together because of me!

I will continue my blog (but probably not every day, that's a lot of work!) to let you know what we are up to. We will be doing our first demo tomorrow for the My Wonderful Dog kids' summer camp. Suzan's a little nervous, she doesn't like speaking in public but she's hoping that because it's about me it will be easier. I will try to help her. That's what I do. I AM A SERVICE DOG!

Day 13 - Dry Run

2007-06-23T17:19:00.001-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

We started out at the training center today and I opened the door and shut those cupboard doors forcefully just like Auntie Nora predicted. I even opened the refrigerator door which I had never done before!

Then we were off to the mall to go through a dry run of our public access test tomorrow which went perfect! Suzan is so proud of me! Here is a photo of me doing an "under" under a table at lunch. I did almost everything I did yesterday plus I had to "down" next to a french fry and ignore it. That was hard but I did it. I love french fries, especially when they're hot. I think I love them even more than peanut butter!

I surprised Dad today. Suzan showed him how I could pick up a quarter off the floor and give it to her. His jaw dropped, that was funny!

Suzan thought you would enjoy this photo of me with my new fire hydrant toy box for Loganland. For those of you who are late coming to my blog, Suzan is setting up the backyard to be Loganland, like Disneyland but for dogs. I hope to have my doggie friends over to play. This is my off duty face. When my vest is on, I put on my work face which is very serious.

Well, wish us luck tomorrow! If all goes well we will be an official certified service dog team this time tomorrow!

Day 12 - Transactions

2007-06-22T18:22:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

Today we worked on transactions where I'm in charge of the money!!! When Suzan buys something when she is using her scooter and the counter is too high, I can help her. Suzan puts the money in a special pouch and I do an "up" and then "give". I can then get the change back in the pouch and even take the package and carry it if it's not too heavy. You should have seen me carrying a plastic bag around the mall. Suzan said I was a really good helper and I really liked doing it!

Can you believe that we have only two more days of team training left?! Tomorrow and then our public access test on Sunday. We are going to bed early so this will be a short post. See you tomorrow!

Day 11 - A Ball at the Mall

2007-06-21T19:45:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

Things are really coming together now! Today I pushed the cabinet and regular doors closed pretty consistently and got the big door opened quite a few times.

Our field trip today was to the mall. Suzan and I did really, really well. I got the handicapped door button for her, stayed in a down when someone stepped over me, allowed children to pet me and stayed focused and even let a "friendly stranger" take me a few feet away and come back. See photo of "friendly stranger".

We also did the escalators! Now this is something special that not all service dogs are trained to do. But since Lauren is such a good trainer and we knew that Suzan might have to use one with me, we carefully trained for it. I love escalators! I think it's because such a big fuss was made over me when I was learning to do them. Suzan knows that we have to be very careful and we'll take the elevator if we have a choice.

My business cards sure came in handy today! Lots of people were interested in what we doing and I even heard some of them comment on what a good dog I was!

Day 10 - Surprises

2007-06-20T20:29:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

I had some wonderful surprises today. Lauren, my puppy raiser came and helped out at our team training. She's a great trainer and had brought me to ClickerExpo last year. I have to admit I was pretty excited at first but then I settled down and focused on what Suzan and I had to do. I did better at opening/closing doors and closing the cupboards!

We went on another field trip to the same place and practiced elevators. Suzan did better today too! We even went in a glass elevator, that was really weird. At first I wasn't sure what was going on but I got to eat peanut butter from a tube and all was well. (Can you tell that I really like peanut butter?!) Someone asked us if it was special doggie peanut butter! It isn't, but maybe the peanut butter folks should market it as that.

We walked around outside at the farmer's market, Suzan said I did great! Even with all the people and trucks going by and a band playing. We've had a request to post a photo of Suzan and I together so Lauren took one today. Here it is...

The other big surprise came in the mail addressed to me and Suzan from my Auntie Rochelle. She runs a great website called The Land of Pure Gold which is "the largest Golden playground in cyberspace"! It's a nonprofit that celebrates the canine-human bond and raises funds for canine cancer research. It has tons of great information and is very well done, you should check it out! We belong to a forum there that has some of the nicest people, including my Auntie Nora and Uncle Bob and Auntie Sheila who have posted here on my blog.

Auntie Rochelle sent us a package to "celebrate your new working partnership". There was an organic bunny "for all my hard work" and some wonderful cards with a "Queen" Golden on them for Suzan to "remind her who is important". He he he. Thank you Auntie Rochelle!

Day 9 - Field Trip!

2007-06-19T19:38:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

Today we did MORE retrieves! Good thing I'm a retriever! Worked on that darn door some more. I'm getting it open eventually but it's taking quite a few tries. Needs more work, wish me luck.

We took a field trip to a place with handicapped door buttons and elevators. I did great with the buttons and actually I did great with the elevator too, it's Suzan that's having some problems with this one! Trying to maneuver the scooter and me into the elevator takes some getting use to. Suzan has to approach the door and tell me to "wait" while she blocks the door with her scooter so I'm not in any danger. Then I "go through" and she follows and we have to figure out the best place to be in the elevator so we can get back out easily. I think we're going back to that place tomorrow for more practice and I heard that they also have a glass elevator!

We went to lunch afterwards and I was so tired that I didn't even notice when Suzan dropped crumbs on my head as I was lying there! Early to bed for both of us tonight. G'night!

Day 8 - Week 2 Begins!

2007-06-18T21:00:00.001-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

Wow, I can't believe that we're starting our second week of team training already! Starting tomorrow, we'll be taking field trips each day, that will be exciting!

Today we practiced even more difficult retrieves with the items in a hard to reach area under very low benches. I got the dollar bill first again!!!! And I finally picked up the heavy mystery can that I hadn't been able to do before. The final item was very challenging and Suzan and I had to figure out how to get it. "Take it" wasn't working, free shaping wasn't working and finally Suzan directed me to "under" and then "take it" and I went for it! Success!!!!

I also carried a plastic bag full of other plastic bags (how silly is that!?) around the center walking by Suzan's scooter. Piece of cake!

I'm still having problems with opening a door using a strap and pushing a cabinet door shut with my nose. I'm just not forceful enough, Suzan said I need to eat more spinach.

We stopped at a store on the way home and Suzan dropped her cane while standing at the register counter. She cued me to pick it up and I did. This was for real, not just practice!

Day 7 - A Day of Rest

2007-06-17T20:32:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

We slept in today and didn't have to go to training class but we still practiced. I did really good at finding the phone and picking up Suzan's cane. We also played a lot today which is very important for a service dog. We work hard and we play hard! I have a great fenced in back yard and we had fun fetching and going in my pool. Suzan is going to make Loganland in our back yard, like Disneyland but for dogs!

Here are some photos:

Oh, Suzan just reminded me to tell you about the unbelievable thing I did yesterday. She was on the computer at the dining room table and the TV was paused after playing a TIVO recording. The TIVO timed out after a while and the TV came back on. Suzan would have liked to turn it off but didn't have the remote handy. Well, without cueing, I retrieved the remote from the couch where Suzan had last used it and brought it over to her! Suzan thinks I read her mind, I'll never tell!

Day 6 - Rinse and Repeat

2007-06-16T18:42:00.000-05:00

The Making of a Service Dog Team - Suzan & Logan's two week team training

OK, no rinsing but there was a lot of repeating today! More "retrieves" but today I went after the metal things first. Most dogs don't like metal so Suzan thought that was strange. I have to keep her on her toes! More "backs", more "ups", more "unders" and more "push"es. I was having trouble with the "ups" on the door again so they started putting peanut butter on the door. That worked! If you're ever at My Wonderful Dog and you think the door smells like peanut butter, now you'll know why! I think I did a pretty good job of cleaning it all up though.

We went out to lunch and then to Sam's Club after training. Suzan said I was perfect! Here I am at Sam's Club...

We met a woman whose daughters will be going to the My Wonderful Dog teen camp and we gave them my business card. I worked at the teen camps for two seasons, it's a great thing. The kids come for a week and learn about service dogs, disabilities and community service. They learn how to train us using positive reinforcement/clicker training and they take us to the mall and to the movies at the end of the week. I saw a lot of movies!

We also got ice cream on the way home!!!! Kimball Farm opened today and they have great ice cream and free doggie ice cream!

Suzan and I are doing so well, we have the day off tomorrow!!! I'm really glad, we need it! We still have homework though. Suzan says we have to come back and blog because she wants me to tell you what I did today that was unbelievable. Stay tuned!

Day 5 - Let my Love Open the Door!

2007-06-15T18:42:00.000-05:00

Our fifth day of service dog team training and I think Suzan and I are getting it! We did a bunch of retrieves again, "ups" and "backs". I finally got the door open by tugging it and now my challenge is "push". This is where I use my nose to push close a cabinet or refrigerator door. Suzan says I just need to put a little more "oomph" into it. Easy for her to say! Noses are very important to us dogs and we have to treat them with care. But I will try harder tomorrow!

My favorite thing we did today was "find the phone". I'm very good at that one!

Guess what Suzan got me? Business cards! It's not as silly as it sounds. When I have my vest on out in public, people shouldn't pet me. Suzan thought it would be nice to give children (or even adults!) a card that explains my job and why it's important that I'm not distracted when I'm working. She's heard that it's one of the hardest parts about having a service dog. Having to tell everyone that they can't pet me, or try to get my attention or especially try to feed me! So please make a service dog's job easier and pretend we're not there. And don't worry, we get plenty of kisses and loving from our partners and our families when we're off duty! Thanks!

Day 4 - I Did It!

2007-06-14T20:51:00.001-05:00

You will all be happy to know that I retrieved Suzan's cane last night after we blogged!!! Yay!!! Then we read my friend's Emma comment about using a strap and tried that this morning. We like that even better, thanks Emma and Mary! It prevents Suzan's cane handle from being slimy, is easier for me and since Suzan has a whole wardrobe of canes it makes them consistent for me to work with.

At team training today we did more retrieves! When all of the following things were placed on the floor for me to pick up guess which one I chose first? Metal dumbbell, wooden dumbbell, plastic dumbbell, purse, dollar bill, paper plate, water bottle, mitten, plastic bags, metal spoon, and screwdriver. I ended up picking all of them up but I chose the dollar bill first! Suzan was very proud of me! :)

We also practiced "under" for getting under tables and such. Very useful at restaurants. And then we did "up" with my front paws on a bench, table, wall, and then an open door. I did great but I didn't like the door so much, it's kinda weird when it moves but I guess that's the point. I'm supposed to shut it.

Our last thing we were working on was tugging a lever door open. We got through the "take it" and "hold" of a tug strap and we're working on "back". We'll continue with that one tomorrow.

Homework

We breezed through our homework tonight! Cane - no problem! Cans - no problem!

Surprise!

Look what was waiting for us at home!!!! Tied to our newspaper box was a beautiful doggie balloon and other balloons that said "it's a girl"! And an adoption/welcome home card for ME!!!! Suzan's very thoughtful friend Caren really surprised us! Thank you Auntie Caren!!!!

Day 3 - Retrieves for the Retriever!

2007-06-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

The third day of team training and we have homework! More "heel" (left) and "place" (right) practice, place is hit or miss. We need to practice tonight. Suzan wonders if the scooter is throwing me off?

We also did a lot of retrieves today (remember the "take it", "bring it here", "hold" and "give" sequence?) Plastic dumbbell, wooden dumbbell, plastic bags, paper plate, metal spoon, screwdriver and a bottle of water. Oh and that darn cane! I was bestest with the paper plate, the bottle of water and the cane were the most challenging. I need to learn to pick up the bottle by the side and not the top unless Suzan doesn't mind dog drool on the cover! I still didn't get the cane yet. I'm putting my mouth on it but not picking it up. More homework!

We also worked on "leave it" with squeaky toys and balls flying by me. I was having trouble with it when I was just standing there or walking by them. But when I was in a "sit stay" I was a champ! The ball even hit me and I still paid attention to Suzan. So Suzan has to remember if I'm distracted by a squirrel or a bird to have me sit or down.

Homework:
We did our homework and it was interesting. Even on a full stomach (Suzan meant to practice before dinner so I would be more food motivated but she forgot!) I did very good heels and places when Suzan was standing. When she sat on a chair they weren't quite as good but better than with the scooter. (The scooter is at the training center so we couldn't practice with it.) And I actually lifted the cane off the floor! I didn't really move it but we got further than earlier today! Suzan says it's a good thing she is patient!

Day 2 - Go Throughs and that Darn Cane!

2007-06-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

Our second day of team training! Today we practiced another way to go through a doorway. Suzan stopped her scooter before the doorway or narrow pathway and told me to "go through". I then go through and turn around and face her and back up as she moves forward with the scooter. We worked that one out and went in and out of so many doorways today, practicing them both ways. The "go through" way and the "wait" way like yesterday. We're not sure which one we like best but it's nice to have both options available depending on the doorway.

Oh I forgot to tell you that we worked on me picking up my leash and giving it to Suzan yesterday. I'm really good at that! We also worked on a retrieve using the leash. You wouldn't think it's as complicated as it is but there are four parts to it! "Take it", "hold", "bring it here" and then "give"! And Suzan couldn't reach out, I had to "give" it where her hand was.

Today's training wasn't quite as smooth as yesterday but we still did OK. We still have to work on "heel" which is me being in position on the left. (without my butt swung out!) We also did "place" today which is just like "heel" but on the right side.

Our biggest challenge was trying to pick up Suzan's cane. We had to up my treats to cheese for that one! Remember I told you how complicated a retrieve is!? Well we only got up to "take it" and used what is called shaping. I got clicked for moving towards the cane and then clicked for touching my nose to the cane and then clicked for putting my mouth on the cane. That's as far as we got. I was distracted and it looked like I was getting a little stressed (panting) so we stopped while we were ahead. Suzan said it's OK. We're both going to have our good days and bad days and I'm not a robot after all! If I was I guess I'd be that Japanese robot dog, the Aibo! But they're not cute and fluffy and sweet like I am. We'll try again tomorrow!

Day 1 - The Journey Begins!

2007-06-11T17:06:00.000-05:00

Logan here. Today was the first day of my two week team training with my new partner Suzan. Well, she's not that new. We have an advantage over most other service dog teams. You see, Suzan is a volunteer with My Wonderful Dog, the program in Maine that trained me so we've gotten to know each other pretty well over the past two years. I lived with the bestest foster family in the whole world! While I am going to miss them big time I know this is what all of our hard work was for. And it paid off, Suzan and I did really good today! Every day for the next two weeks we are going to train together and then on the final day we have to pass a BIG test! THE PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!

I knew something was up when Suzan came through the kennel area and asked me if I was ready to work! I could hear her in the other room going over a Team Training Manual and then they came and got me. I was a little distracted at first then realized that this was serious! We practiced "dress" with my vest, "watch me's" and walking with her scooter without surging ahead or falling behind. Then to make things more interesting we had to do figure eights around a couple of traffic cones. No problem except when Suzan mixed up clockwise and counter-clockwise.

Going through doorways was our little bump in the road. We had to figure out how to get me and the scooter through the door together. Suzan went up to the doorway, stopped and told me to wait as she continued through and then told me to follow. At first I wanted to move when she was moving, then she was having me wait too long but we finally got it all sorted out. I'm sure these two weeks will be like that as we figure out how to work together. Oh and we use a clicker which helps us to communicate. I know I've done what she wanted when I hear the click, then I get a treat which is usually food. Today I worked for Liver Biscotti!

We then got to take a break and play!!! That was fun!!! Suzan and I played with a squeaky toy and I did really well fetching it and bringing it back to her. This is really important because it's one of the ways she is going to make sure I get my exercise. Suzan can sit in one place and throw a ball or toy and as long as I bring it back and give it to her. Suzan has M.S. so fatigue is a big issue for her. She says she only has so many "coffee beans" of energy to work with each day so she tries to save them for the important stuff! Her standing and walking endurance are limited so she uses a scooter for long distances or busy days like today or when she's not sure if there will be seating someplace. It's a cute scooter, bright red. I think I look really good next to it!

Back to work and this time we practiced sits and downs while scootering around in a circle. Sits were a piece of cake, downs were a little more challenging. Suzan had to keep repeating the cue, a little firmer each time. And I need to remember to stay parallel to the scooter and not too far away. This one might take a little practice!

Next on the agenda was "come". I did that one really well even when they took me out of sight of Suzan. I heard her say "Logan, come!" and off I went because I really wanted to get back to her. Each time I did it a little bit faster!

So that was our first day of team training! We were both tired and came home and took a nap. Stay tuned for Day 2!